TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) discussed the importance of animal welfare in Taiwan at a pet fair Sunday, urging citizens to adopt rather than purchase family pets.

Lai attended a pet festival and market at Rongxing Garden Park in Taipei, where he spoke with pet owners and visited market stalls. Lai said there are more than 3.4 million cats and dogs in Taiwan, which exceeds the number of children under 14, CNA reported.

Lai said the growing number of household pets and the declining birthrate are related issues for the government to consider. He added that respect for animals reflects a civilized society.

As the number of cats and dogs grows in Taiwan, Lai urged prospective pet owners to adopt animals from shelters rather than buy them from pet stores. Lai said cat owners currently outnumber dog owners in Taiwan.

Lai said the government will expand cooperation with individuals and organizations committed to animal protection. He cited the establishment of the Animal Protection Division under the Ministry of Agriculture, which is responsible for coordinating with civil groups to enhance animal welfare programs.

Lai said the Cabinet has also submitted draft amendments to the Animal Protection Act, which would strengthen measures to stop illegal breeding operations and punish animal abusers. The proposal also seeks to establish more humane methods to capture, sterilize, and find homes for stray cats and dogs, per CNA.

The draft amendments also call for stricter standards for reviewing animal shelters. Lai encouraged everyone who loves animals to work together toward a society where no pets are abandoned or abused.